10 Health and safety skills examples for work

Keeping employees safe is important, especially in job settings with unique risks. Managers need to make sure that everyone is prepared to tackle safety challenges. When health and safety skills are prioritized, organizations can create a safer workplace with fewer accidents. 

Whether you’re a manager looking to improve your team’s safety practices or part of the L&D team aiming to create effective training programs, understanding these skills is vital for building a secure work environment. This article will explore essential EHS skills that every workplace should embrace. 

What are safety skills?

Safety skills are the abilities that help individuals identify, assess, and manage risks in the workplace. These safety skills examples are crucial not only for complying with health and safety regulations but also for maintaining a safe working environment. 

They encompass a mix of technical know-how and interpersonal skills, allowing managers to communicate safety protocols effectively and influence positive behavior among employees. By honing these skills, managers can lead by example and promote a workplace culture where safety is always a top priority.

There are online safety training for employees that can help improve their safety skills. So that next time, they can handle workplace accidents head-on. 

10 Health and safety skills for work

As job settings change and evolve, it’s important to develop key skills that promote safety and well-being. Take a look at these skills and the recommended health and safety training that every workplace should focus on. 

1. Hazard identification and risk assessment

One of the most important safety skills is the ability to spot potential hazards and assess the risks involved. This skill means systematically looking around the workplace to identify dangers, like faulty equipment, unsafe practices, or environmental issues. 

When employees know how to recognize hazards, they can tackle safety concerns proactively, preventing accidents and injuries before they happen.

Recommended courses: Risk Assessment by SC Training, General Safety and Health Provisions (US) by SC Training

2. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Another important safety skill is knowing how to select, use, and maintain personal protective equipment. This includes knowing when to wear items such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, or respiratory protection. Proper PPE usage can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and exposure to harmful substances.

Recommended course: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Construction by SC Training

3. Emergency response and first aid

Quick and effective responses during emergencies can save lives and minimize damage. Employees should be trained in basic first aid, CPR, and emergency evacuation procedures. This skill set lets workers act decisively in critical situations and give immediate assistance until professional help arrives.

Recommended course: The Basics of First Aid by SC Training

4. Ergonomics and safe lifting techniques

One of the most important safety skills examples is ergonomics and safe lifting. This practice is essential for preventing fractures, dislocations, and falls, which are common in many workplaces. This skill involves understanding how to adjust workstations, maintain good posture, and use correct lifting techniques to reduce strain on the body.

Recommended course: Ergonomics for Retail by SC Training, Manual Handling by SC Training

5. Chemical safety and handling

For industries that work with hazardous materials, knowledge of chemical safety is crucial. This skill includes understanding how to read safety data sheets, properly store and handle chemicals, and respond to spills or exposures. Employees with this skill can prevent accidents and remain compliant with safety regulations.

Recommended course: Hazard Communication in General Industry (US) by SC Training, Toxic Chemicals by SC Training

6. Fire safety

An important safety officer course is fire safety. This training includes knowing how to use fire extinguishers, understanding fire prevention techniques, and following proper evacuation procedures. Employees trained in fire safety can help prevent fires from starting and respond effectively if one occurs.

Recommended course: Fire Safety by SC Training, Portable Fire Extinguishers (US) by SC Training

7. Machine use safety

Operating machinery and equipment safely is among the essential safety skills examples that apply to many industries. This involves understanding proper startup and shutdown procedures. 

Plus, recognizing warning signs of malfunction and adhering to lockout/tagout protocols. Employees with strong machine safety skills can prevent accidents and maintain equipment integrity.

Recommended course: Machine Guarding by SC Training

8. Communication and reporting

Effective communication is needed for maintaining a safe workplace. This skill involves clearly conveying safety concerns, reporting incidents or near-misses, and actively participating in safety discussions. Good communication makes sure that safety issues are addressed promptly and that best practices are shared across the organization.

Recommended course: Effective Communication by SC Training, Hazard Communication in General Industry (US) by SC Training

9. Mental health awareness

Recognizing and managing workplace stress is an often-overlooked safety skill. Employees need to be able to identify signs of stress in themselves and others. Plus, knowing how to cope with workplace pressures contributes to a healthier and safer work environment. This skill also includes understanding the importance of work-life balance and mental health support.

Recommended course: Mental Health in the Workplace by SC Training

10. Continuous learning and adaptation

Safety regulations and best practices evolve constantly. The ability to stay informed about new safety protocols, adapt to changing workplace conditions, and continuously improve one's safety knowledge is a valuable skill.

Employees who embrace lifelong learning in safety contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in workplace safety.

Recommended course: Safety at Work by SafetyCulture

Enhance health and safety skills with SC Training 

You can keep your teams informed about essential health and safety skills with SC Training. With its Blended Learning feature, organizations can easily combine hands-on training with online courses. This hybrid approach is especially useful for industries like construction and healthcare, where in-person learning is important. 

By using a safety program software like SC Training, companies give employees a well-rounded learning experience that suits different styles and needs. Plus, when they complete their training, they’ll receive a certificate that proves their compliance with health and safety standards. 

SC Training’s mobile learning approach makes training easily accessible. It reinforces the company’s commitment to a safe workplace but also empowers employees to feel confident in their skills. 

Choosing SC Training means investing in a safer, more knowledgeable workforce so that everyone is prepared to tackle safety challenges effectively and at any time. 

Empower your employees with essential health and safety skills through SC Training’s bite-sized courses. Sign up for free today!